Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which a patient is conscious and aware but cannot move or speak due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body. Unlike a persistent vegetative state, in which upper portions of the brain are damaged and lower portions are spared, locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to specific portions of the lower brain and brainstem with no damage to the upper brain. What is the one way that those with locked-in syndrome can sometimes communicate?More...

In 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square by Turkish terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca, who was captured and imprisoned. Although the pontiff was shot in the stomach, he recovered and publicly forgave his would-be assassin. In spite of the physical setback caused by the shooting, he continued to travel widely, eventually visiting 129 nations and increasing the international character of the papacy. What now marks the site of the shooting in St. Peter's Square?More...

An influential Indianapolis preacher, Jones formed the People's Temple in 1955. After he became the subject of criminal investigations, particularly regarding his alleged diversion of cult members' donations for his personal use, he and about 1,000 followers relocated to Jonestown, Guyana, in 1977. In 1978, cult members killed US Representative Leo Ryan and four others during an investigatory visit. The next day, Jones orchestrated the mass murder-suicide of how many of his followers?More...

Quotation of the Day

What I know about myself isn't really worth telling ... If you'll only let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'll think it ever so much more interesting.

A peculiar celebration to commemorate an event involving cats, Kattestoet is held in Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium. In the celebration today, about 2,000 people, dressed as cats, witches, and giants, march in a parade to the tune of bagpipes. Floats depict the history of the town and of feline figures—Puss in Boots, the Egyptian cat-headed goddess Bast, and others. The climax of the celebration comes when a jester throws toy witches and stuffed cloth cats from the town belfry.More...

A 132-pound ovarian tumor was removed from a 38-year-old Connecticut woman this year, according to two doctors involved in the case. The patient, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the tumor began growing at a rate of about 10 pounds per week ...More...

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.